Cells are actually small power plants that get electric energy from chemical reactions. You can build your own simple cells, called electrochemical cells, using a variety of fruits and vegetables, for example, you can make electricity from a potato;
...or, you can make a light from salt water:
Photovoltaic cells (PV cells)
A photovoltaic cell is an electric device that converts the energy of light (the sun or artificial light) directly to electricity. Another name for a photovoltaic cell is a solar cell.
How a solar panel works:
Solar cells are made of the same kinds of semiconductor materials as silicon. This semiconductor wafer is treated to form an electric field that is positive on the one side and negative on the other. When light falls on the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. If conductors are attached to the positive and negative side, an electric current is formed.
The following video explains the process really well:
YouTube
Think about it:
A solar panel absorbs the sun's rays to use them as a source of energy.
- Think of the advantages of solar cells: does solar energy create any pollution? Is it cost effective? What are the advantages of solar cells?
- Think of the disadvantages of the solar cells. Is it able to produce enough electricity for large demand? Are solar panels pleasing to the eye? How much are is required to absorb enough sun energy?
Bibliography & Extra reading:
- Experiments in electrochemistry
- Fruits and Vegs to produce electricity
- Solar cells
- Photovoltaics
- Solar power
- How does solar power work?
- How do photovoltaics work?
